Significance of Living thing
The concept of "Living thing" is described across various philosophical and spiritual traditions. In Jainism, it refers to entities that exhibit life and are intertwined with the cycle of existence and rebirth. The Purana emphasizes the importance of all creatures dependent on nature and highlights their sustenance, compassion, and protection. In Buddhist contexts, it signifies sentient beings deserving kindness and respect. Overall, the term encompasses all forms of life, demonstrating their significance in various teachings and emphasizing the interconnectedness of living organisms.
Synonyms: Organism, Creature, Being, Animate being, Entity, Animate object
In Dutch: Levend wezen; In Finnish: El盲v盲 asia; In Spanish: Ser vivo; In German: Lebewesen; In Malay: Benda hidup; In Swedish: Levande sak; In French: 脢tre vivant
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Living thing'
In Buddhism, "Living thing" encompasses all sentient beings, highlighting compassion and respect for life, including animals, plants, and microorganisms. It reflects ethical considerations and the interconnectedness of all life, emphasizing preservation and mindful conduct.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks鈥� rules)
(1) Refers to organisms or entities that are alive, which, when present in water, pose a significant concern for the monks in the context of their training and rules.[1] (2) Defined in the text as an animal that possesses life, which is subject to the rules concerning preservation and respect in monastic conduct.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Refers to all forms of life present in the water, indicating the consequences of actions that may harm these creatures.[3] (2) The food of the yakkha Makhadeva, which included all men who came to the banyan tree.[4]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Various forms of life that the Bhikkhus are instructed not to disturb while disposing of waste and excess food.[5] (2) Refers to animals, specifically the cow and bull mentioned, and their protection from harm per the Buddha's teachings.[6]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) Creatures or plants which are part of the consideration in offences related to harm or usage.[7] (2) Refers to any animate being that holds significance within the context of Buddhist ethical considerations.[8]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Any creature that the monk should not intentionally deprive of life, including small insects like ants.[9]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) All creatures and beings that have life, which the Bhikkhus express love towards.[10]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) A biological entity that possesses life, which can exhibit growth, reproduction, and response to environmental stimuli.[11]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) All sentient beings that are considered in the practice of compassion and kindness in Buddhism.[12]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Refers to the Buddha nature or the true mind within oneself that is alive and full of potential, contrasted with the physical body regarded as a 'dead thing.'[13]
Hindu concept of 'Living thing'
In Hinduism, "Living thing" encompasses all entities with life, highlighting their mutual dependence, the sanctity of existence, and the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and nature, suggesting a divine nurturing presence and the importance of compassion.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Living things are under the high Lord's care, and he looked kindly on Bhagirath's sufferings, after thousands of years of endurance.[14] (2) Here Gods to living things, who win their favour, pure from cruel sin, give royal rule.[15] (3) This refers to the creatures that consume the food, which is prepared and offered by Sita, ensuring their sustenance.[16] (4) This phrase refers to the entities that the saint could bring destruction upon, emphasizing the magnitude of his power and the potential consequences of his actions.[17] (5) Each living thing was protected by Dasharatha, and he was a faithful friend and blameless king, and he took care of them.[18]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A general term encompassing all forms of life that a grihastha has a duty to nourish, including animals and humans.[19]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) All beings that possess life, encompassing a wide range of flora and fauna.[20] (2) All entities that possess life, encompassing various forms that are influenced by the internal atman.[21]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Any entity that exhibits life, thus being influenced by the presence of the 'Living Self'.[22]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A human who has touched an unclean object that can cause defilement even if it is interposed between the individual and the unclean items.[23]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Entities that display signs of sex, such as breasts, suggesting that sex is an inherent quality manifested in them.[24]
Jain concept of 'Living thing'
In Jainism, the keyphrase "Living thing" encompasses entities that exhibit life, depicting the earth as both a physical domain and a vibrant realm filled with diverse living organisms.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) An entity that exhibits life, characterizing the earth as not only a physical space but also a realm of living organisms.[25]
The concept of Living thing in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Living thing" encompasses all life forms, including humans, animals, plants, and even thoughts. It highlights emotional connections, evolution, existence cycles, and the intrinsic value of life as expressed in various philosophical and poetic contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The text says that nature is made of millions of inanimate objects and living things, which have properties that science tries to determine.[26] (2) Describes thoughts as dynamic entities that possess substance and influence.[27] (3) Indicates all forms of life that communicate or resonate with the speaker on an emotional level.[28] (4) Refers to all forms of life that Davies expresses appreciation for in his poetry, capturing his love for nature.[29] (5) A creature that is alive, emphasizing the value of the beetle compared to inanimate treasures.[30]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Refers to any creature with life; highlighted in the context of Changdev's thoughts on the power of the sadguru.[31]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is an entity, which is included in the doctrine of love, demonstrating the importance of compassion for all life forms, even the smallest.[32]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) Any biological entity capable of growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli; the text indicates that people do not kill them.[33]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Refers to all forms of life that are subject to the cycle of existence and rebirth, known as transmigration.[34]